Newer access technologies such as WiMAX and PLC (Power Line Communications) will likely have a greater role in the coming years, and integrating them with satellite access technologies like DVB-RCS will certainly benefit satellite based solutions, increasing their stature and improving connectivity to users.
It was with this in mind that ESA awarded the Canadian company OmniGlobe Networks the contract for the study 'Interoperability of Satellite and Alternative Broadband Access Technologies'. The project was begun less than a year ago and is executed into two phases. The first, which has recently completed, involved a thorough review of the state of the art of WiMAX, PLC as well as the evolution of the WiFi technologies. Products currently on the market, their current pricing as well, the trials and commercial offerings based on WiMAX and PLC have been similarly addressed.
Phase 2, which will be completed later this year shall involve the interoperability of these technologies with satellite terminals. OmniGlobe shall then provide recommendations on what areas of interoperability need be addressed in order to offer high-quality services, and what technical changes may be required in the DVB-RCS specifications to support hybrid operation.
There is much argument supporting such hybrid solutions. Even though DVB-RCS is becoming a more mature technology, the cost of the terminal equipment and its installation is limiting development in the market. A number of trials have shown that combining the DVB-RCS with other access technologies such as WiFi is not just technically feasible but it allows spreading the terminal equipment cost among several users in the same area, thereby reducing the cost of service provision per user.
Attendance
OmniGlobe will present their intermediate findings to ESA on Friday 16 February 2007 from 09:30 to 12:30. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Ms Laura Laine (click under contact at the right of this page). Please be sure to include your contact details, company name and the number of participants. A route description to ESA/ESTEC can be found under external links. For more on 'Interoperability of Satellite and Alternative Broadband Access Technologies' just click under related links at the top-right of this page.
OmniGlobe will present their intermediate findings to ESA on Friday 16 February 2007 from 09:30 to 12:30. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Ms Laura Laine (click under contact at the right of this page). Please be sure to include your contact details, company name and the number of participants. A route description to ESA/ESTEC can be found under external links. For more on 'Interoperability of Satellite and Alternative Broadband Access Technologies' just click under related links at the top-right of this page.
image courtesy OmniGlobe
